As a self-proclaimed Gallivanter, I thrive off of adventure and activity. I enjoy being the definition of “on the go.”

But as much as I love to have a fully booked and fulfilling life, you can lose some of your ability to quiet the mind and be present in the hustle and bustle of life.

So in my effort to take in more of what’s around me and slow down, I have developed a “morning ritual” that allows me quality time with myself and allows me to practice presence.

Trust me: this isn’t a, “how to have inner peace” piece. This is more like a rough estimate of how some of my slower, more intentional mornings go. If you find yourself struggling to keep calm and carry on, I’ve found some of this helps.

Wake-up:

1. In order to have the time to be slow, I try to wake up an hour earlier than I need to that day. You might need more or less time depending on the steps of your routine, and how much you value sleep.
2. Once I wake up, I turn off the alarm on my phone and check my notifications. I know bad bad bad, but I check for any absolute emergencies that require an immediate response. If it’s not urgent, my goes back on silent for the hour.
3. Then, I log onto the Bible App for my daily devotional. I like to take time to pray and say thank you for the day first thing in the morning. Practicing gratitude has really helped me be more present and thankful for each moment of the day.
4. Since I’m already on my phone, I switch over to the Duolingo app to do my daily language learning activity. I refuse to break my streak, as I only know pocchino Italiano so far.
5. Make bed. If it doesn’t get done first thing it won’t happen.
6. Now that the bed’s made, it’s time for my 10-minute meditation. Like I’ve said it’s been really hard to keep still and be present, but I’ve found that a mix of meditation and prayer has really helped me to notice my surroundings and has even helped me be more discerning. The key is that I only aim for 10 minutes – no more. It’s really all about the habit, and I don’t set my goal too high so that I can achieve it, something I picked up from the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. The goal is to expand to 15 minutes once I can manage to sit still for the 10.
7. Take my daily multivitamins (fish oil, women’s multivitamin, iron). The routine and habit of events help me remember that I took them.
8. Turn on my morning feel-good playlist for some positivity and good vibes to start my day. Que big stretch/dance it out.
9. Finally, if time, weather, and my rumbling stomach allow, I’ll try and head out for a brisk walk to wake up my mind and body, get vitamin D and sweat a little. If I’m feeling anti-social I will keep my phone on silent and listen to podcasts about finance, personal development, and some just for laughs/comedy. Sometimes I use this time to call a friend or my family and laugh just as hard with them.
10. After all this, I’m probably expected to be somewhere. So if I can fit it all in within an hour and just enjoy my quiet time, I’m doing pretty well.

That’s all folks! Go out and enjoy your days, wake up a little earlier, and be a little more selfish with where your attention goes first thing in the morning. I have to admit that routine and peace are luxuries, so if you are able to take some time just for yourself, I think it would do us all some good.

Til next time,

-Allison